Initial Exam and Findings
Patient 25-1701 was an adult eastern gray squirrel that presented to the clinic on August 16th, for a possible head injury and abrasions. On examination, it was noticed that the patient had a broken incisor, but the extent of the damage was unknown. The patient’s wounds were lightly flushed, and the patient was started on anti-inflammatories and pain medication until radiographs could be performed to better assess its injuries.
Further Findings and Treatment Plan
On August 19th, the patient was sedated for a thorough exam and radiographs. On further examination under sedation, the patient was found to be missing a left upper incisor, with several healing abrasions on the rostral (front near the nose and mouth) aspect of the skull. Dental rads revealed a fracture of the remaining left incisor, but no evidence of a skull fracture was present. The patient was administered pain medication and was woken up from sedation. It was decided to allow the patient’s incisor to heal by second intent (or on its own) as the fracture did not extend to the skull or rear brachydont teeth and would theoretically heal over time. Due to the suspected head trauma which caused the broken incisor and abrasions, this patient was closely monitored and continued on a course of anti-inflammatories and pain medication through August 30th.
Ready for Release
On September 5th, the patient underwent a recheck examination, which they were sedated for so that we could safely and clearly see the patient’s teeth. Healthy intact incisors, with normal length and growth were appreciated, with no oral swelling or malocclusion. At this time, the patient was off all medication, given a clean bill of health and was cleared for release. The following day, it was transport back to the area where it was initially found and released back into the wild.
Written By: London W., Class of 2028